Changed FCC Approval Guide

When a device is subject to FCC rules, one of the first steps is to determine the specific type of equipment authorization that applies to the specific device.

Becoming familiar with the different equipment authorizations available is key. Here are some important changes in the FCC Approval Guide, related to Equipment Authorization Procedures.

Prior to November 2018, there were three options available for product authorization:

Verification

Declaration of Conformity

Certification

After November 2018, the options available will be:

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)

Certification

Verification and Declaration of Conformity are being combined into the new Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

One of the main differences is that while under the “Verification” procedure, a Test Report demonstrating compliance with FCC rules was not required, after November 2018 and under the SDoC procedure, a Test Report will now be mandatory. See below for description of SDoC.

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) is a procedure that requires the party responsible for compliance to ensure that the equipment complies with the appropriate technical standards. The responsible party, who must be located in the United States, is no required to file an equipment authorization application with the Commission or a TCB. Equipment authorized under the SDoC procedure is not listed in a Commission database. However, the responsible party or any other party marketing the equipment must provide a test report and other information demonstrating compliance with the rules upon request by the Commission. The responsible party has the option to use the certification procedure in place of the SDoC procedure.

TRANSITION PERIOD

Radio frequency devices that would have been considered eligible for authorization under either the verification or Declaration of Conformity procedures that were in effect prior to November 2, 2017 may continue to be authorized until November 2, 2018 under the appropriate procedure in accordance with the requirements that were in effect immediately prior to November 2, 2017.